Winter affects our entire body, is well known as affects the respiratory system and bones, but do not forget about the skin. The skin in winter, as in summer, is exposed to inclement weather , being the most sensitive to cold areas; the cheeks, the lips, the neck, the neckline and the hands .
Therefore, it is important to take into account a series of tips:
- Hydrate skin daily and several times a day. This is especially important in people who suffer from some type of dermatosis (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis …). A suitable emollient (based on lanolin, urea …) will help maintain healthy skin during the winter.
- Avoid washing your hands excessively . Wear dermatitis affecting the back of the hands is a frequent reason for consultation at this time of the year, especially in people who for labor reasons are washed repeatedly, to avoid it should be promoted the use of gloves, hydration and creams with barrier effect.
- Avoid aggressive products for washing hands, face and body. Use soft products and dermatologically tested.
- Avoid showering with very hot or very cold water . Use warm water and avoid showering more than once a day, as this would increase the dehydration of the skin.
- Moisturize the lips and protect them from ultraviolet light . The lips suffer a lot in winter, especially if there is a base alteration (atopic, actinic cheilitis …).
- Do not forget sunglasses and sun protection daily also in winter, especially in areas where there is snow, since it reflects 80% of solar radiation.
- Wear gloves and warm clothes . Especially those patients with sensitivity to the cold and who usually suffer from perniosis (chilblains) or Raynaud phenomena (cold fingers that turn white, bluish and red)
- Avoid, as much as possible, the sudden changes in temperature (passage from the cold environment of the outside to the warm environment of the interior of the premises and houses), since this increases the possibility of the appearance of dilated capillaries (telangiectasias or spider veins). on the face (especially cheeks), with the consequent aesthetic problem. At this point, we must emphasize three aspects:
- The most recommended active principles for non-sensitive skin are: vitamin C, retinoic acid, glycolic acid and hydroxy acids (with important anti-aging function). However, there are sensitive and intolerant skins that must use other types of products, rich in soothing, vasoconstrictive and decongestant substances, such as dexpanthenol, alfabisobolol, rusco, glycyrrhetic acid … In addition, they should avoid products that contain alcohol, preservatives or perfumes . Therefore, individual dermatological assessment of each skin type is essential.
- The texture of the ideal cream will also depend on the type of skin and if you suffer from some underlying condition, in general, the fluid will be better for combination or oily skin and cream texture for mature and dry skin. There are new masks and consultation treatments, such as mesotherapy with hyaluronic acid, which help to hydrate deeply. In any case, we insist that the best thing is to consult a dermatologist, your doctor specialized in skin care, both healthy and sick.
- Finally, point out that winter is the best time to perform intensive facial depigmentation treatments (for dark spots), both at home and in the doctor’s office (chemical peels or masks).
- Take care of the food . Increase the consumption of vitamin C and antioxidants. Do not forget to drink between 1.5-2 liters of water per day.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol , as they negatively affect the health of our skin, generating free radicals. In addition, alcohol worsens facial capillary dilation.
